Key facts
- Yemen's Houthi rebels have warned shipping companies against using Saudi Arabian ports.
- Vessels using Saudi ports risk being attacked and targeted.
- The Houthi threat could impact substantial Saudi oil exports.
- Two oil tankers changed course away from the Red Sea after the Houthi warning.
- Donald Trump indicated the US would respond if the Houthis followed through on their threats.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have issued a warning to shipping companies, threatening to attack tankers that use Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea. This escalation follows a previous announcement of a blockade and could significantly impact Saudi oil exports, which have thus far been unaffected by the ongoing conflict.
In response to the threat, two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia altered their course and headed towards the Suez Canal. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would take action if the Houthis proceeded with their threats, recalling previous U.S. interventions.
The Houthi warning comes amid broader regional tensions, including Iran's threats to shipping in the Gulf and renewed fighting between Iran and the U.S. Diplomats are reportedly seeking to salvage an interim deal between Iran and the U.S., with suggestions that both sides may be looking for a de-escalation. The Houthis control territory along the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial waterway for global maritime traffic.
Shipping companies received an email from the Houthis stating that loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports could result in vessels being targeted. Experts suggest that ships carrying Saudi oil would be particularly at risk. The Houthis have previously used small boats, drones, and missiles to attack commercial ships in the region.
Iran is reportedly seeking to involve Yemen in a wider conflict to disrupt global energy supplies, using the Bab el-Mandeb as leverage against U.S. efforts to block maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Combined, these waterways are critical for a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments.
Meanwhile, U.S. military actions have targeted Iranian military sites, while Iran has reportedly attacked targets in Jordan and Kuwait. The U.S. State Department has also warned Americans of potential targeting by Iran and its allies overseas.